HC issues notices to Big B, Sony TV for insulting Netaji

The Bombay High Court Tuesday issued notices to Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan and Sony Television in response to a PIL which challenges a promo in ''Kaun Banega Crorepati'' claiming it has insulted and maligned the slogan ''Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga'', coined by Subhash Chandra Bose.

The notices were issued by Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice G S Godbole who asked the Bollywood (Indian film industry) actor, anchor of the show, and Sony TV Channel to file a reply by July 28.

The court also asked the petitioner to make the Indian ministry of Information and Broadcasting as well as Advertisement Standard Council of India as respondents.

Counsel for Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) Rui Rodrigues argued that the promo was not derogatory but was funny and it argued that the examining committee had gone into it before clearing the same.

The PIL, filed by Mukesh Sharma, said there were six scenes in Hindi which were meant to promote the reality show, "Kaun Banega Crorepati-4" and increase its TRP.

However, he found them insulting, defamatory and maligning the slogan.

The PIL said it was surprising why the legendary actor did not excuse himself from playing his act in the promo.

Of the six scenes from the promo, five are insulting and derogatory to Netaji''s slogan. Some scenes in the promo show that people were unaware about the slogan and Netaji''s role in freedom struggle, the PIL said. (PTI)